A Reality better than the Dream

18.- Trying to protect her

He was really a very impressive man, majestic and distant. How could, really, that naive and ignorant girl, back then, resist his fascination? She grimaced at this thought. But all this had ended for ever. He was wondering about her grimace.

Oren (smiling): What made you grimace now? I am curious.

She was caught unprepared by his straightforward question and her face turned again pink.

Iris: Nothing!... Really, nothing... (Changing the topic) Emperor, may I ask you, if I and the generals help in this stage of your strategy? It is said that you are unrivaled in this matter and you, obviously, think very quickly and...

He was sure that her thoughts had something to do with him, but he didn't insist. At least, there was some reaction. He pretended that he had noticed nothing more and continued the discussion.

Oren: I told you before that in that matter we have the same way of thinking. It is not necessary to disagree with somebody. But many details and reasons were unnoticeable at first sight. And the fact that somebody else has the same opinion is something helpful. I may have already acted to the direction of king Bendin, but I am not sure that the secondary solution you proposed about the change of the trade's route must be rejected. I will make arrangements to be ready for such a solution if there is such a need. It was, indeed, an unexpected proposal. Perhaps, we'll... I am not sure... It depends on the circumstances.

Iris: Ooh!

Then, the emperor changed the topic unexpectedly.

Oren: Do you like my palace?

Iris (she smiled joyfully): Generally speaking, I dislike palaces. Even my palace in my kingdom. Only the presence of my grandmother and my friends makes it familiar. The palaces are too big, too cold and have a heavy atmosphere. Don't forget that once I had lost my way in this palace and I ended sleeping unknowingly in your study. I was scared to death when I saw you over my head! (He laughed remembering that pleasant incident). But... finally, your palace is much nicer than other palaces, because it is not exaggerating at all. But, you, do you like palaces?

He gave her an amused look.

Oren: Oh! This is the first personal question you make to me... Well, not particularly... Ah, where had you been today morning? General Sheng had been searching for you, but you were nowhere. He was really anxious.

Iris: Really? But why?... I and your assistant Tangren were in the kitchen to help the cooker with a recipe of mine. He wanted me to teach your cooker this recipe for you.

Oren: Kitchen?! Ooh, this Tangren is very strange, indeed... Tell me, why don't you come where I usually sit to discuss with me? Is it because you want to be all alone or something else?

Iris was surprised by his question. But it was him who likes his loneliness and disliked women's presence around! What was he talking about?

Iris: No. But... I think that it is you who likes loneliness much more than me, don't you? And you dislike women's presence around you. Sometimes, etiquette and social polite manners may limit somebody. That's why.

He was thinking that he had to press her to make her approach him, or else she would never come to him, remembering his... past aggressiveness. He sighed.

Oren: Ooh, so it is!... You can come there whenever you want, as long as you live here. I will not be bothered at all, even if you sit there the whole day. On the contrary, I would like to discuss anything with you. Mm...there is no need to discuss with me only about the warfare or politics. I'll wait for you... (he smiled).